World Championship in Cod Fishing

Every winter, hundreds of people travel to the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway to see who gets the most and the largest arctic cod.

Ready to spawn

Each year from the middle of February to the end of April, Lofoten is full of life. This is when millions of arctic cod arrives from the Barents Sea, ready to spawn, making Vestfjorden the largest food delivery room in the world.

Go fishing or just observe

About 600 people participated in the 2011 championship, and many more were present at the piers to watch and be a part of the arrangement. You can try your fishing luck or just observe the arrangement.

The Championship has Svolvær as starting point, and there are several pubs and restaurants there.

The local population of all ages contribute with many local activities in the preceding week, and a number of concerts and art exhibitions are held during that time.

There are several boat operators taking you out to sea to let you be part of the event. You can choose to do some fishing yourself, or go on an inflatable boat, dressed in a thermal suit, just watching the fishing fleet.

Cod hung to dry

Winter is also the time of year when the fish is hung to dry in the wind. The thousands of cod hanging on racks all over the Lofoten islands give the landscape an unique dimension, and give a distinct smell almost wherever you go.

Fishing history at the Espolin gallery

While in Lofoten watching the World Championship in cod fishing, you should visit the the Espolin Gallery in Kabelvåg, which presents the history of fishing through Espolin’s famous paintings of the cod fisheries in the older days.

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Last updated:
2013-06-26

The arctic cod arrives in the Lofoten Islands, Northern Norway, in February

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